The home secretary has dismissed claims that the British government is abandoning its net zero commitments, stating that Rishi Sunak’s actions are not aimed at bankrupting the British people in the name of saving the planet. Suella Braverman, an influential Conservative MP concerned about the potential electoral impact of green policies, emphasized that the government’s net zero targets should be seen as goals rather than inflexible constraints. Braverman also commended the prime minister for making tough decisions prior to weakening environmental policies.
However, this move has faced criticism from carmakers such as Ford. Lisa Brankin, the UK chair of Ford, expressed concern that a relaxation of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars would undermine business requirements for ambition, commitment, and consistency from the UK government. She noted that the EV market needs policy support and a focus on infrastructure development, particularly given the existing challenges of tariffs and high living costs.
The expected announcement of weakened green policies, anticipated as early as Wednesday, may include delays in the ban on new petrol and diesel cars and a reduction in efforts to phase out gas boilers. Rishi Sunak hopes to create a divide between the Labour Party and the Conservatives with a “green wedge” strategy. However, this approach has already caused divisions within his own party, with outgoing Tory MP Chris Skidmore warning of economic consequences and Tory peer Zac Goldsmith referring to the move as a moment of shame for the UK.
Times Radio conducted an interview with Suella Braverman, who stressed the need for a pragmatic and proportionate approach to achieving net zero targets. She emphasized that protecting the economy, British workers, and household costs are crucial factors in growing the economy and safeguarding people’s livelihoods. Meanwhile, the prime minister is expected to abandon plans for new energy efficiency targets for private rented homes after considering fines for landlords who fail to upgrade their properties.
When asked about consultations with the electric car industry prior to altering the net zero stance, Braverman did not confirm any discussions, stating the importance of allowing the British people to lead their daily lives pragmatically with the resources available to them. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders expressed concerns that delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles may confuse motorists and hinder their transition to electric vehicles.
Former Cop26 president Sir Alok Sharma warned that watering down commitments would damage business confidence and inward investment, especially if it fractures the political consensus on climate action. He also doubted the electoral benefits of choosing this path for any political party. Conversely, the prime minister vowed to reach the net zero target in a better and more proportionate way, acknowledging that the true costs and trade-offs had not been honestly communicated by politicians in the past.
Rishi Sunak’s recent actions align with his government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, demonstrating that ambition and climate commitments remain intact. These moves followed former prime minister Liz Truss’ suggestion to delay or abandon certain measures to assist less affluent families, as she argued that the push for net zero had been institutionalized without democratic consent. Craig Mackinlay, the leader of the Tory Net Zero Scrutiny Group, praised Sunak’s expected announcements as sensible and pragmatic.
In contrast, Labour’s Darren Jones reiterated the party’s commitment to banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
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